In an alarming revelation, Australia’s travel sector, profoundly crippled by the restrictive measures of the COVID-19 era, rallies behind the Australian Human Rights Commission’s plea to broaden the investigative scope on border lockdowns and closures.

The Australian Travel Industry Authority (ATIA) has spotlighted the colossal implications the stringent policies have fostered since the commencement of Australia’s international border closure on 20 March 2020. An industry that once thrived on the global movement witnessed a staggering 95% plummet in revenue. Amidst this backdrop, travel businesses had the Herculean task of chasing an overwhelming AUD 10 billion in credits and refunds for their customers. The debacle didn’t end there; approximately 15,000 jobs evaporated, further intensifying the hardship for those navigating the convoluted refund process.

State border vicissitudes aggravated the existing plight. ATIA’s submission to the Senate Committee Inquiry into Bilateral Air Service Agreements shows that a significant resurgence is still pending. Alarmingly, international flight rates from hubs like Sydney remain elevated by up to 99% compared to the pre-pandemic era. This surge is predominantly attributed to a diminished competitive landscape and constrained flight capacity.

Dean Long, AFTA CEO.

ATIA’s stalwart, CEO Dean Long, vocalized the profound concerns within the industry corridors. “While we acknowledge the inquiry’s initial terms, it is imperative for the Government to broaden its lens. The colossal tremors our sector felt primarily originated from border closures and lockdowns,” Long remarked.

Continuing his clarion call, Long emphasized the dire need for a harmonized national strategy. He stated, “Our collective journey during these turbulent times must examine the decisions that reshaped countless lives. Above all, the fundamental human freedom – the right to movement, stands paramount and deserves central attention in this inquiry.”

Furthermore, the ATIA’s CEO shed light on the complex challenges that permeated Austrade’s administration of the Consumer Travel Support Grant funds, amounting to AUD 270 Million. “The stories of struggle, perseverance, and endurance are countless. The intricacies in Austrade’s approach, right from its inception to execution, not only frayed nerves but was, in many instances, inappropriate for its intended purpose. Transparency is essential, and it’s high time for the government and relevant departments to reflect, release pending reviews, and ensure valuable lessons are imbibed.”

As the country charts its path towards revival, it remains imperative to deeply introspect, recalibrate, and re-envision a resilient future for an industry that has been at the heart of global connections and experiences.

Written by: My Thanh Pham

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